Eucalyptus tree named ‘G4’

ABSTRACT

A new  Eucalyptus grandis  tree particularly distinguished by having a fast growth rate, excellent frost tolerance, and good coppicing properties, is disclosed.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF FEDERAL RESEARCH SUPPORT

The present invention was supported in part by funds from the U.S.Government. The U.S. Government therefore may have certain rights in theinvention.

Genus and species: Eucalyptus grandis.

Variety denomination: ‘G4’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT

The present invention comprises a new and distinct variety ofEucalyptus, botanically known as Eucalyptus grandis, and hereinafterreferred to by the variety name ‘G4’. It is characterized by having afast growth rate, excellent frost tolerance, and good coppicingproperties when grown under normal forestry practices in central,southern, and possibly northern Florida.

‘G4’ originated from a group of 31,725 seedlings of E. grandis. ‘G4’ isthe result of open-pollination in a third-generation seedling seedorchard at Palmdale, Fla. The female (seed) parent of ‘G4’ is theproprietary E. grandis seedling selection with the identification number‘1480’ (unpatented) characterized by its fast growth and average frosttolerance. The male (pollen) parent of ‘G4’ is unknown. The maternalparent (1480) originated from control-pollination. The female (seed)parent of ‘1480’ is the proprietary E. grandis seedling selection withthe identification number ‘1179’ (unpatented) characterized by its goodgrowth and acceptable frost tolerance. The male (pollen) parent of‘1480’ is the proprietary E. grandis seedling selection with theidentification number ‘1013’ (unpatented) also characterized by its goodgrowth and acceptable frost tolerance. ‘G4’ was selected as a singleclone from the progeny of the above stated open-pollination duringFebruary 1982.

‘G4’ was first asexually propagated in June of 2007 in Lake Alfred, Fla.through cuttings and in vitro propagation. Asexually propagated trees of‘G4’ have remained true to the original selected tree, and allcharacteristics of the tree have been transmitted and retained throughthree successive asexual vegetative generations.

Plant Breeder's Rights for this cultivar have not been applied for. ‘G4’has not been made publicly available more than one year prior to thefiling of this application.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH(S)

This new eucalyptus tree is illustrated by the accompanying photographswhich show the tree's form and foliage. The colors shown are as true ascan be reasonably obtained by conventional photographic procedures. Thephotographs are of a tree approximately 13-years old.

FIG. 1 shows the overall plant habit including foliage.

FIG. 2 shows a close-up of over-mature leaves and a few seeds.

FIG. 3 shows a close-up of the trunk.

FIG. 4 shows the branches at the top of the tree.

FIG. 5 shows a close-up of the mature seeds.

FIG. 6 shows a close-up of the coppice.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW CULTIVAR

The following detailed description sets forth the distinctivecharacteristics of ‘G4’. The present botanical description is that of13-year-old trees growing near Mulberry, Fla. The colors (except thosein common terms) are described from R.H.S. Colour Chart published by TheRoyal Horticultural Society in London (second edition), in associationwith the Flower Council of Holland.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

-   Classification:    -   -   Botanical.—Eucalyptus grandis var. ‘G4’.        -   Common name.—Eucalyptus.-   Parentage:    -   -   Female parent.—‘1480’ (unpatented).        -   Male parent.—Unknown.-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—Height: About 16.0 m. Spread: About 3.0 m.        -   Vigor.—Good.        -   Density.—Open.        -   Form (overall shape of tree).—Narrowly upright with somewhat            drooping branches.        -   Growth habit.—Evergreen.-   Trunk and branches:    -   -   Trunk texture.—Smoother at top.        -   Trunk bark color.—Mottled grey, pink.        -   Branch texture.—Smooth.        -   Branch color.—Gray-reddish.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size (lamina average).—Length: 10.0 cm to 15.0 cm. Width:            2.0 cm.        -   Type.—Simple, petiolate, alternate, persistent.        -   Shape.—Narrow lanceolate, slightly sickle shaped.        -   Apex.—Acuminate.        -   Base.—Typically acute, can be slightly unequilateral,            slightly offcenter midrib.        -   Margin.—Smooth, wavy.        -   Surface texture (both surfaces.—Glabrous.        -   Color.—Upper surface: Green. Lower surface: Paler green.        -   Petiole.—Shape: Slightly flattened with a groove at top.            Length: 1.0 cm to 2.0 cm. Width: 0.1 cm to 0.2 cm. Color:            Light green and pink. Texture: Smooth.-   Flowers:    -   -   Type.—Clustered.        -   Blossom period.—Mid-September to late-October.        -   Fragrance.—Mild.-   Reproductive organs:    -   -   Stamen number.—Many.        -   Anther color.—White.        -   Anther filament length.—About 1.0 cm.        -   Pistil number.—1.        -   Pistil length.—Less than 1.0 cm.-   Fruit/seed (if produced):    -   -   Size.—Length: 0.5 cm to 0.7 cm. Width: 0.5 cm to 0.8 cm.        -   Number.—3 to 7 capsules per cluster.        -   Shape.—Pyriform.        -   Texture.—Smooth, woody.        -   Apex.—Cuspidate.        -   Base.—Attenuate.        -   Color.—Immature: Green. Mature: Gray brown.        -   Stalk.—Short.-   Resistance/tolerance to diseases/pests: No unusual susceptibilities    noted.

COMPARISON WITH PARENTAL AND KNOWN VARIETIES

‘G4’ differs from the female parent ‘1480’ (unpatented) by having fastergrowth and better frost tolerance than ‘1480’. In addition, ‘G4’ hadgood coppicing properties.

There are no commercial varieties known to the inventor which can becompared with ‘G4’.

1. A new and distinct variety of Eucalyptus grandis tree as shown anddescribed herein.